NordVPN Vs Surfshark: ⚔️ 2024‘s Ultimate VPN Battle


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NordVPN

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Surfshark

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$ Pricing
$3.99/month $2.29/month
Best for

In terms of pricing & support NordVPN is better

Over 2,000 servers in 148 locations

Features
  • NordVPN offers good streaming support
  • NordVPN’s server network is larger and more diverse.
  • Huge amount of servers
  • Data is encrypted with an AES-256 cipher, SHA-512 hash Auth.
  • Split tunneling available
  • You can expect faster speeds
Pros
  • Good speed for general browsing
  • Offers own implementation of Wireguard
  • There is no connection limit
  • WireGuard protocol with Surfshark
Cons
  • Torrenting Only Supported On Some Servers
  • Surfshark only offers static IP addresses, unfortunately.
Ease of Use

Whether you are using NordVPN on a desktop or mobile device its very smooth and fast.

Anyone that wants multi-hop: More servers mean more encryption, which means that your web activity is more hidden than ever before.

Value For Money

When it comes to reliability, availability of servers, affordability and customer support, NordVPN beat SurfShark

SurfShark have a moderate pricing structure

Customer Support

NordVPN has a very active customer support.

SurfShark offer huge knowledgebase of articles plus almost instantaneous 24/7 live-chat support

Hey everyone! Today, I’m diving into a topic that’s super important for all of us who spend time online – VPNs. Specifically, I’m looking at NordVPN vs Surfshark.

If you’re like me, you want to keep your online activities safe and private, right? That’s where these two big names come in.

NordVPN and Surfshark are popular choices, but how do you know which one’s the best for you? I’ve been using both, and I’m here to break it down for you.

From how easy they are to use to how well they protect your privacy, I’ll share my real experiences.

So, let’s get started and find out which VPN is the champion of online security!

NordVPN vs Surfshark

NordVPN Vs Surfshark: At A Glance

NordVPN Overview:

NordVPN enjoys an edge over Surfshark in the total number of servers.

It has more than 5500 servers scattered worldwide, featuring a map interface on the website with the dotted server regions. It is in more than 59 countries and provides up to 6 simultaneous connections.

NordVPN Overview: NordVPN Vs Surfshark

Surfshark Overview:

Surfshark has given up on the map; however, the website provides a clear list of servers and a ‘connect’ button. It has more than 1700 servers spread across 63+ countries in the world.

While Surfshark has fewer servers than NordVPN, it has wider coverage through a presence in other nations. Another advantage of Surfshark is that it enables unlimited simultaneous connections.

If you are one of those who like to keep many devices like a few smartphones, a computer, an iPad, a PlayStation, an Xbox, a smart TV, etc. You can stay completely protected from all these devices via a Surfshark connection.

Surfshark Overview: NordVPN Vs Surfshark

Features Comparison: NordVPN Vs Surfshark

Feature NordVPN Surfshark
Available Protocols OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard
Encryption AES-256 AES-256
Servers 5,500+ in 60 countries 3,200+ in 65 countries
Simultaneous Connections 6 devices Unlimited devices

1. Privacy:

NordVPN

NordVPN Privacy

Subscribing to a VPN provides protection from online activities by outsiders. NordVPN offers great privacy to its customers via features like protocol switching, killing switch features, high-level encryption, etc.

It also comes with a few not-so-common features like ‘Onion over VPN’ – routing the connection over the Onion network and supporting NordLynx – a high-speed protocol developed by Nord.

Surfshark

Surfshark also has various privacy features, including OpenVPN UDP, IKEv2, TCP protocols, 256-bit encryption, and a killing switch feature.

It also enables you to route via two VPN servers, called a double-hop feature.

It can provide extra protection through split tunneling if you use Windows or Android OS.

However, it falls short in this category compared to NordVPN, as the latter offers additional functionality.

Surfshark Safety

2. Logging:

NordVPN is a Panama-based VPN and does not keep your activity log, as the host country does not demand the same.

Similarly, the British Virgin Islands-based Surfshark also claims that it does not maintain its customer’s online activity logs, providing the required security to your online affairs.

3. Performance:

NordVPN

The performance of a VPN can be measured via its speed and ease of usage on a day-to-day basis.

NordVPN has impressive performance with a reported connection speed drop of around 6-8%.

Its average speed is around 105Mb in the UK. However, it has been noticed that the VPN performs slightly better in the US.

Surfshark

Surfshark is a winner in this category with a negligible connection speed drop. It also enjoys a slight edge over the former in the speed of UK servers, with an average speed of 106Mb.

Both VPNs have proven their performance on almost all servers around the world. So, if you consider performance as the base, both VPNs make the list.

4. Torrent Speed:

NordVPN

NordVPN supports torrenting activities largely, and P2P activities can be performed on most of its servers.

However, the VPN’s website does not claim its torrenting abilities on the website’s homepage.

A few of NordVPN’s servers do not support P2P; however, if any torrenting traffic is detected, the Nord app will automatically switch you to a server supporting P2P.

Nordvpn servers

Surfshark

Surfshark does boast about its torrenting abilities, although a few of its servers cannot support P2P.

It is because it can automatically switch your server to a supporting server if any torrenting activity is detected.

Both VPNs behave reasonably well in torrenting and stand at the same level.

Surfshark Servers

5. Customer Support:

Support Channel NordVPN Surfshark
Live Chat 24/7 24/7
Email Yes Yes
Ticket System Yes Yes
FAQ Yes Yes

NordVPN

Having a customer support team and offering professional and friendly customer support is an advantage for any VPN.

NordVPN has 24/7 chat support on its website, apart from emailing support.

A chat facility works better as the customers need not wait long hours for a response like in an email facility.

You can also get abundant useful articles and knowledge based on their website that can help you get thorough with your VPN service.

Surfshark

Surfshark, like NordVPN, also has a friendly live chat support system.

The VPN provider has constantly been working on improving customer support by creating user guides and knowledge-sharing articles regularly.

Whichever VPN provider you choose, both promise great and friendly service support. 

Surfshark Support

Pricing and Subscription Plans 💰:NordVPN Vs Surfshark

Plan NordVPN Surfshark
Monthly $12.99 $10.99
Yearly $4.99/month $3.49/month
2-Year $3.99/month $2.29/month

NordVPN Pricing:

NordVPN has different subscription plans, including one-month and one-year plans.

nordvpn pricing plans

NordVPN has three payment plans to offer to its clients. These payment plans are based on monthly, half-yearly, and annual subscriptions.

Charges for the monthly plan are $3.99 a month, $4.99 a month, and $5.99 a month, There are various payment options provided by the company that includes credit cards, PayPal, Webmoney as well as Bitcoin.

Payment through Bitcoin is a favorite mode of payment for many people who want to keep their financial details discreet. People, who opt for monthly subscription plans end up paying more, almost double the amount as compared to yearly prices.

Be that as it may, NordVPN offers the best month to month esteem with an amazing three-year plan at just $3.99 every month – just about $5 more generally than the two-year plan.

Surfshark Pricing:

Surfshark, like the competitor, offers a one-month, one-year, and two-year subscription plan.

Surfshark pricing plans

While the one-month costs you the same at $10.99, you can get the one-year plan of Surfshark at a slightly lower price of $3.49/month.

But Surfshark truly wins over NordVPN in their two-year plan, which costs a matchless $1.99/month.

In fact, Surfshark’s two-year subscription plan easily lists them in the best cheap VPNs of the 2024 list.

You can also get a 30-day money-back guarantee for the Surfshark plan.

Streaming Comparison: NordVPN Vs Surfshark📱

Platform NordVPN Surfshark
Windows Yes Yes
macOS Yes Yes
iOS Yes Yes
Android Yes Yes
Linux Yes Yes
Chrome Yes Yes
Firefox Yes Yes

NordVPN:

Along with the protection, security, and performance, providing access to the various streaming channels is the key attractive point of any VPN.

NordVPN offers good streaming support to its customers and can unblock Netflix and YouTube content on its overseas servers.

However, it does not claim upfront that it can unblock the Netflix diaries, unlike Surfshark.

Surfshark:

Surfshark heavily advertises its ability to unblock the Netflix content of 14 countries.

Apart from the Netflix diaries, it can also enable its customers to access the geo-blocked content of YouTube.

Just like Netflix, iPlayer content is extremely difficult to crack, and Surfshark can easily unlock its content as well.

Thus, Surfshark proves to be a better streaming-support VPN in comparison.

NordVPN Vs Surfshark: The Mobile App 

NordVPN Mobile App:

NordVPN has a popular and widely accepted mobile app with a remarkable rating of 4.4 on Google Playstore.

The app has achieved over 10 million downloads, proving it is highly popular amongst VPN users.

It comes with many protocols, especially for Android and iOS users, that include special protocols like NordLynx.

Other features are provided, such as auto-connect and a favorite list. You can also get certain OS-specific features like quickly connecting to Siri.

NordVPN Mobile App

Surfshark Mobile App:

Surfshark also has an impressive, functional mobile app with several protocols, including high-level encryption, Hacklock, and a wide knowledge search.

Its app has a user-friendly, pleasing layout. You can open the app with a quick-touch button and browse the server lists and features easily. 

Both VPN Service providers have provided their customers with easy-to-use, simple-to-navigate mobile apps and ensured no compromise on the functionality.

Surfshark Windows Application

FAQs On NordVPN Vs Surfshark 

🔑 Is it legal to use NordVPN?

Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries around the world, including the US, Canada, and most of Europe, as long as you don’t do anything illegal while using one. However, countries that enforce online surveillance and censorship may restrict VPN usage or ban VPN services altogether. For example, VPNs are illegal in North Korea, Belarus, Oman, Iraq, and Turkmenistan. Other countries, like Russia and China, heavily restrict the use of VPNs.

✈️ Can I use NordVPN while traveling abroad?

Yes, you can use NordVPN while traveling. Sending your data through an encrypted VPN tunnel will help you stay safe on unsecured wireless networks and provide access to the content and sites you’re used to back home. Just make sure to download the apps and get your subscription before you leave — they might not be available if you’re visiting a more restrictive country.

💻 Which devices does NordVPN support?

NordVPN is compatible with all major operating systems: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Install it on a work laptop, your kid’s iPad, and your own mobile device without worry — you can connect up to six devices simultaneously. If you want to go one step further, you can also set up NordVPN on Wi-Fi routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices, extending VPN protection to the entire network.

💳 Is Surfshark a one-time payment?

It depends on the pricing plan you sign up for. Surfshark offers monthly, 1-year, and 2-year subscriptions, and all of them are billed differently: The monthly plan is billed every month; The 1-year plan is billed every 12 months; The 2-year plan is billed once at the beginning of your subscription and then annually after it expires.

🆓 Is Surfshark VPN really unlimited?

Yes. Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous device connections, which means you can protect your whole household for a cost of a single VPN subscription.

💸 What payment methods are accepted at Surfshark?

You can pay with your credit card, PayPal, Sofort, Google Pay, Amazon Pay & crypto.

Quick Links

Conclusion: NordVPN Vs Surfshark

When weighing NordVPN against Surfshark, it’s clear that both services offer robust security features, impressive speeds, and a wide range of server locations.

NordVPN stands out with its slightly superior security protocols and extensive server network, making it a top choice for users who prioritize robust security and diverse global access.

On the other hand, Surfshark shines with its unlimited device support and user-friendly interface, catering excellently to households or individuals with multiple devices.

Ultimately, your choice between NordVPN and Surfshark should hinge on your specific needs:

Opt for NordVPN for advanced security and global coverage, or choose Surfshark for its simplicity and value in multi-device setups.

Both providers excel in their own rights, ensuring that your internet experience is secure, private, and unrestricted.

Rohit Sharma
This author is verified on BloggersIdeas.com

Hi, I'm Rohit Sharma, the go-to proxy expert for bloggers and businesses seeking to expand their online reach. As a passionate advocate for online security and privacy, I specialize in discussing VPNs, proxies, and other cyber security topics. With over 3 years of experience in the field, I have developed an engaging writing style and offer unique insights that have earned me a reputation in the world of Internet marketing. I invite you to follow me on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest trends and strategies. Let's navigate the digital world together and ensure your online presence is secure and successful.

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